Enes Kanter Leaning Toward Opting Out, Hopes for Long-Term Contract with Knicks

Enes Kanter could test the free-agent market this summer, though he would like to remain with the New York Knicks.

Per SNY's Adam Zagoria, Kanter said Thursday he's leaning toward opting out of his contract but wants to sign a new long-term deal with the Knicks.

Kanter holds a player option worth $18.6 million for the 2018-19 season, per Spotrac. He originally signed a four-year deal worth $70 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a restricted free agent in 2015. 

Speaking to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News in December, Kanter noted he was trying to ignore any talk about his contract. 

"It's always on your mind," he said. "But the season is going really well right now. It's just a contract. I think people worry about it too much and it gets into their head."

The Knicks acquired Kanter from the Thunder in September as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade. The 25-year-old set a career high with a 59.2 field goal percentage last season and averaged a double-double with 14.1 points and 11 rebounds per game.